Clegg’s election promise to give one million people £250 to spend as they wish
as reward for 'extraordinary’ contribution

A million carers would be given a £250 bonus from the Government, to allow them to take short respite breaks, under plans set out by Nick Clegg.

The Deputy Prime Minister and Liberal Democrat leader said his party will fight next year’s general election on a promise of extra money for people who care full-time for elderly or disabled relations.

The extra money would be paid annually to help carers cope with sometimes unbearable burdens.

Writing for telegraph.co.uk, Mr Clegg said the “extraordinary” contribution made by carers meant that they should be given extra financial support even when public finances are under pressure.

“If you have ever come into contact with a carer, you will understand why these men and women deserve to be singled out for extra support at a time of ongoing restraint. Their contribution is extraordinary,” he said.

The Liberal Democrat manifesto in 2015 will include a promise to introduce a new annual “carer’s bonus”, initially worth £125 per year and rising to £250 per year by 2020.

Mr Clegg said the money would be for those who make great sacrifices for their relations. “Many have had to give up work entirely to provide round-the-clock care for someone else. They are saving our health and care services enormous sums at a time when every penny counts.

“Yet they themselves regularly struggle to make ends meet – a problem intensified by the economic crisis. Many contend daily with their own depression and stress.”

The bonus would be paid in cash to carers, who would be free to spend it as they wished.

Mr Clegg suggested that most would want to use the money to arrange alternative care, allowing them to take a break from their family responsibilities. “Our carers live lives the rest of us would find almost impossible to imagine and respite means different things to different people. Some carers might use the money to hire a care assistant to help them out for a week. Others might put it towards getting away themselves, or pay for a cleaner to come to their home.

“Books, music, clothes, a day out with loved ones. Carers should be able to spend the money however they see fit. What matters to me is that we do whatever we can to show our thanks and ease the pressure the nation’s carers face.”

The bonus would be available to anyone who has been receiving Carer’s Allowance for at least a year – around one million people in all. The latest census showed that 10 per cent of the population – or 6.5 million people – provide regular unpaid care, with more than a third dedicating 20 or more hours a week.

Last year, NHS research found that growing numbers of carers are having to put their lives on hold to support disabled or elderly loved ones.

Almost five million people in Britain feel they are losing control of their lives because of unpaid caring responsibilities, according to an NHS survey.